Monochromatic Style: Making It Work For You

When we think of monochromatic rooms, spaces decorated in tasteful beiges, safe whites and trendy greys come to mind first. But what about predominantly one-color rooms? This bold look can be divisive, but whether you love it or hate it, you've got to admit: this style takes guts. If you think you're up for it, here are some tips to make colorful monochromatic style work for you.

1. Pick a color you love.A bit obvious, but this is important in more ways than one. Not only will choosing a shade that makes your heart sing make you less likely to tire of the look, but all those forest green (or raspberry, or teal) pieces will easily find a place elsewhere in your home, if you do move on someday.

2. Let the paint do the work.Walls are the bullies of the interior design playground; they can easily team up with a sofa or chair in a similar shade and force an entire room into submission. In the blue living room above, only the walls, sofa and chair are like-colored, but the final result is unmistakably blue.

3. Think mostly monochrome.A space that's truly all one color would be a tad OTT, so break it up with a good dose of something neutral. This could be white ceilings, wood floors or furniture, an area rug or alternately-colored accessories.

4. Vary the textures, vary the hue.Using a variety of textures and finishes is key to making any space feel vibrant and layered, and this goes double for one with a limited palette. Think leather, glossy lacquers, plush velvets and chunky knits to alternately reflect and absorb the light. Varying the hues you choose, for example reds running the gamut from ruby to tomato, adds interest as well.

Images: Top photos: Blue living room by Todd Romano via Apartment Therapy and orange bedroom from House Beautiful, Other images: as linked above in the captions